Slime vs. Mushroom 2 Review

There are tons of games in the Google Play store that look too much like Plants vs. Zombies. Maybe this is because people just can not get enough of the more kid-friendly, fun and light version of the tower defense game genre. Not all of these knock-offs are great, however. It’s even frustrating to see most of these games just do not live up to the standards that gamers loved from Plants vs. Zombies. Slime vs. Mushroom 2 does not disappoint in this aspect. The new follow-up to a previous version, it’s an entertaining game with a funny premise.

The game starts with the user choosing their heroes, or in this case, slime. A requisite slime in all stages is the equivalent of the sunflower in PvZ, a purple-colored slime called Mom slime which gives birth to a baby slime – which in turn generates the needed points to purchase other slime heroes to defend their village. Slime heroes each have their own “powers”, such as shooting fire or ice towards the mushroom enemies, or being a suicide bomber to fend off multiple attacks in one row. Some slimes also act as a physical barrier to prevent the enemies from passing through. As the game progresses, more slimes can be purchased by using diamonds. Diamonds are earned throughout the game from Mom slimes, or one has an option to buy it online. Existing slimes that user already have can also be upgraded using diamonds. This can be an investment as the mushroom enemies can get tougher to kill as the levels get higher.

For an interactive game, the interface is quite smooth even on my low end device. The size of the app itself is smaller compared to other similar tower defense games (8.99 MB). Tapping on objects are sometimes done more than once, but that is mainly due to my phone’s small screen size. Otherwise, game controls are responsive and lag-free.

In addition to smooth gameplay, the graphics are cute enough to keep the player engaged – even if one is not winning. I particulary like the way the mushrooms “fight” with the slime in close combat. The characters are unique enough in their own right, making one forget that the idea was practically drawn from another (more popular) tower defense game. Despite that little flaw, the game still brings its own fun twist that’s refreshing and very entertaining.

There is a small tutorial when one first starts the game, but it doesn’t really explain a lot except for how to earn points and position the slimes. Once the game is started and throughout the next levels, there are no additional tutorials to explain new things – like a new kind of slime or upgrading an existing slime. The user would have to read through and look at visual clues as to how everything else works. This might be fine for one who’s very familiar with similar games, but it might throw off a first-time gamer. In this aspect the game definitely needs some additional tweaking to further educate the player. There is also a lack of warning system when the attacks are going to be “heavier” than usual so the player can anticipate and position their slimes accordingly.

A good addition would be a portion that explains the different kinds of mushrooms and what they are capable of in terms of strength and speed. I made the mistake of thinking all mushrooms were the same and were surprised later on to see that some actually attack better than others. Again, this might discourage new players if they get the impression that the game seems to be hard to play for no apparent reason.

As all other free apps in the Google Play store, this is an ad-supported game – but the ad placement (on top of the screen) is not so bad and does not prevent the user from playing the game properly. Other than being a minor visual distraction, the ads are quite acceptable in this case.

Overall, Slime vs. Mushroom 2 is one of the more quirky, kid-friendly tower defense games out there. With smooth graphics and fun characters, this game can keep you smiling for a long while. Ideally, these games are meant for kids but it’s still equally enjoyable to be played by adults. With certain additional information about the characters and game rules, in general, this game can be one of the best tower defense games thus far. The game has 100 levels and is free to play, with in-game purchase options for buying upgrades and characters.

Slime vs. Mushroom 2 Review Rundown

9

Graphics & Sound - The cute graphics and sound is one great thing going for this game, and it's reason enough to try it out.

8

Gameplay - Some areas need to be tapped on more than once, but it could be an issue with small screen size. Otherwise, other controls work great.

9

Performance - Very smooth and didn't have problems on my HTC Wildfire, which isn't a very powerful device.

7

Replay Value - With only 100 levels, there's not a lot of replay value here, but one can always go back and play from the start.

9

Overall - Cute characters, smooth gameplay and just plain fun, this game is worth a try.

Kim is a freelance tech writer and an avid Android fan. She loves to discover and share awesome Android stuff on the Internet through her blogs and articles. When she's not in front of a PC typing away, she's probably working with her Android device and testing new apps.